Can plants survive in hydroponics without nutrients?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Plants will absolutely not grow in a hydroponic system without nutrient solutions supplying necessary minerals. In comparison to Earth's culture, there are no natural mineral supplies in sufficient quantities for the feeding of plants. These essential elements are absent from pure water. Without them, a plant cannot carry out the basic processes of growth, such as photosynthesis and cell division.
Structural Minerals
- Nitrogen: Forms chlorophyll and proteins (deficiency causes yellowing)
- Calcium: Builds cell walls (deficiency creates blossom end rot)
- Phosphorus: Develops roots and flowers (deficiency stunts growth)
Metabolic Catalysts
- Iron: Enables chlorophyll synthesis (deficiency yellows new leaves)
- Zinc: Activates enzymes for growth (deficiency distorts leaves)
- Manganese: Processes nitrogen (deficiency causes interveinal chlorosis)
Irreplaceable Functions
- Energy transfer via phosphorus compounds
- Water regulation through potassium
- Oxygen production during photosynthesis
I observed this during my early experiences with hydroponics. Basil seedlings in pure water exhibited nitrogen deficiency symptoms in five days. The leaves turned pale yellow, and the roots became brown. The deficiency was immediately checked in the young plants when the proper nutrient element was supplied.
The rapid uptake of minerals is robust in hydroponic farming. Although lettuce continuously takes in nitrogen to expand its leaves, tomatoes require large quantities of calcium for their fruit to develop. Water has no mineral buffer, such as that provided by soil, and the reservoir will be insufficiently charged to support even a short absence of supplements.
Systems devoid of nutrients will fail, as water provides: Nitrogen, for chlorophyll. Phosphorus, for ATP energy. Potassium, for enzyme activation. Magnesium, for photosynthesis. Plants cannot grow without any of the above essential elements, and the damage is often irreversible within a few weeks.
Always keep a full nutrient solution. Measure the EC reading to keep track of minerals. Change the solution weekly for seedlings and every two weeks for mature plants. It is essential to stay on top of this as it will sustain growth and prevent total loss.
Read the full article: Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions: The Complete Guide
